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Where is My Wandering Boy To-night?
Also known as {Where is My Wandering Boy Tonight?}
(1909) United States of America
B&W : One reel / [?] 900, 955 or 990? feet
Directed by Edwin S. Porter
Cast: T. Fortune (Tom Fortune) [the boy], Laura Sawyer [the boy’s sweetheart], Miss Sinclair [the adventuress]
Edison Manufacturing Company production; distributed by Edison Manufacturing Company. / Scenario by Bannister Merwin. / © 9 January 1909 by Edison Manufacturing Company [H121437, H121438, H121439, H121440, H121441, H121442, H121443]. Released 12 January 1909. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama.
Synopsis: [The Film Index, 9 January 1909, page ?] “Where is my wondering boy tonight?” A question often asked in the quiet evening hour by loving mothers, (perchance called “old fashioned”) the world o’er. “Happy he with such a mother. Faith in womankind beats with his blood, and trust in all things high comes easy to him; and tho’ he trips and falls, he shall not blind his soul with clay.” Such a mother has our young hero, who leaves the shelter of the old homestead, to embark upon a business career, far away in the great city. His boyhood’s sweetheart is there to press his hand and wish him success and, when he has passed from view, turns to the mother for consolation. Alone in the great city our hero meets new faces, makes new friends. No mother now, or sweetheart near, to counselor warn. We see him, in the lightness of his heart, overcome by temptation, and saved from a felon’s cell by the far-reaching power of a mother’s prayer. It is an unequal fight, at best, for the youth from the simple country fireside, for the city is like a huge machine knowing neither pity nor remorse. We find our boy, forgetful of home and mother, indulging in a gay supper with boon companions. In the midst of the revelry a telegram is handed him which is snatched away by one of his jealous lady friends — whom he laughingly pursues. The merriment is hushed, the laughter ceases, when the message, telling of his mother’s death, falls from his stricken hand – nor can his companions console him now – they are dumb. A Bad trip to the old home - meeting friends tried and true – finding consolation and sympathy in his sweetheart’s presence, with bitter tears washing away his past – the Wanderer returns.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 12 April 2024.
References: Website-AFI.
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